Lauren A
Petersen
May 2024
Lauren A
Petersen
,
DNP, MPH, APRN, CPNP-PC
University of Minnesota School of Nursing
Minneapolis
,
MN
United States

 

 

 

In addition to her contributions to content development, Dr. Petersen has been instrumental in integrating Diagnostic Reasoning into the curriculum, further enhancing students' analytical and problem-solving skills.
Dr. Petersen has consistently demonstrated a commitment to innovative teaching methods and approaches that have profoundly enriched the learning experience for her students. I feel fortunate to work with someone who approaches her work with such incredible innovation.

One of Dr. Petersen's standout accomplishments is her work in developing the first Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) with standardized patients specifically tailored for the Pediatric Nurse Practitioner/Clinical Nurse Specialist courses. This innovative approach provides students with invaluable hands-on experience and feedback, enhancing their clinical skills and confidence in real-world scenarios. Developing OSCEs is a time-intensive undertaking that requires a strong understanding of clinical practice, core competencies, and clinical simulation pedagogy.

Moreover, Dr. Petersen's incorporation of diverse and unconventional sources of content, such as TED Talks, This American Life, and pop culture books, has been instrumental in fostering a deeper understanding of diversity and advocacy within the PNP curriculum. By exposing students to perspectives from outside the traditional academic realm, she encourages critical thinking and promotes a holistic understanding of nursing practice.

In addition to her contributions to content development, Dr. Petersen has been instrumental in integrating Diagnostic Reasoning into the curriculum, further enhancing students' analytical and problem-solving skills. Her dedication to staying at the forefront of educational methodologies is exemplified by her creation of an "escape room in a box" classroom activity. This immersive learning experience will challenge students to apply diagnostic reasoning concepts and clinical skills in a dynamic and engaging manner, preparing them for the complexities of real-world patient care.

Furthermore, Dr. Petersen's innovative adaptation to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic deserves commendation. Recognizing the limitations of traditional simulation experiences, she developed an online active learning case using Zoom and Jamboard, ensuring that undergraduate students continued to receive high-quality education despite the constraints of remote learning.

Her dedication to pushing the boundaries of conventional teaching methods has not only enriched the educational experience for her students but has also inspired her colleagues and peers.